Lawyers' Association for Human Rights of Nepalese Indigenous Peoples (LAHURNIP)Change Dhunge- Sangu Mangmaya sub- Irrigation Project is set to be implemented in Maiwakhola Rural Municipality -1, 2 and 3 of Taplejung district, Province no. 1 - the ancestral lands of "Limbu" Yakthung Indigenous Peoples. As stated in the Detail Design Report of the project, the command area lies in Aathraitribeni-4, 5 and Maiwakohola-1.
The water source for this irrigation system is the Mangmaya and Sokpe Rivers that lie in Maiwakhola Rural Municipality. The total cost of the project is Rupees 104,188,620. The field visit report of the team of Project Implementation and Management Support (PIMS) Consultant states that the proposed scheme would largely affect five irrigation systems, four micro-hydro plants, and some drinking water schemes existed in ward no – 1 of Maiwakhola Rural Municipality.
The project has been initiated without Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of affected Indigenous Peoples. The project is being implemented by the Department of Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Energy, Water Resource and Irrigation of the government of Nepal with the funding of ADB.
The affected communities of Maiwakhola Rural Municipality are protesting the project demanding their right to FPIC be respected. LAHURNIP is providing legal support to holding the bank and project accountable towards the operational policies of the Bank and the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities.